1. Look for a copyright date. This is usually located on the back of the product, near the bottom. It will be in the format "Copyright (year)".
2. Check the product's design. Mickey Mouse has gone through several design changes over the years. By comparing your product's design to these changes, you can narrow down the possible years it was produced. Here are some of the key design changes:
* 1928-1938: Mickey has a round head, large ears, and a long tail. His eyes are black and his nose is red.
* 1939-1946: Mickey's head is slightly flattened, his ears are smaller, and his tail is shorter. His eyes are now blue and his nose is black.
* 1947-1952: Mickey's head is even more flattened, his ears are even smaller, and his tail is gone. His eyes are still blue and his nose is black.
* 1953-1966: Mickey's design is essentially the same as it was in 1947-1952. However, his eyes are now slightly larger and his nose is a little bit smaller.
* 1967-present: Mickey's design has remained largely unchanged since 1953-1966. However, his eyes are now slightly smaller and his nose is a little bit bigger.
3. Look for other clues. In addition to the copyright date and design, there may be other clues that can help you identify the year of a Mickey Mouse product. For example, the product's packaging may mention a specific year or event. Or, the product may be accompanied by a promotional item that mentions a specific year.
For other Disney products:
1. Look for a copyright date or manufacturer’s mark. This will often be found on the bottom or back of the product. The copyright date will be preceded by the letter “©” and will be in a format like “©1995 Disney,” so if the copyright is 2002 then the product was produced in 2002..
2. Check the characters pictured. The style and appearance of the characters can give clues about the time period in which the product was made.
3. Pay attention to special markings or features. Some Disney products may have unique markings or features that indicate when they were produced such as anniversary products.
4. Research the product online. Search for the product name and number online to see if you can find any information about when it was made.